Entry/Exit Requirements for U.S. citizens: U.S. citizens need a valid passport to enter Argentina. U.S. citizens with expired or damaged passports may not be allowed to enter and could be sent back to the United States at their own expense. Private U.S. citizens do not need a visa for visits of up to 90 days for tourism or business. Diplomatic or official passport holders must get visas prior to arrival.

The U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires cannot help travelers with obtaining Brazilian, Paraguayan or other visas. U.S. citizens embarking on a cruise ship from Argentina that includes Brazil in the itinerary will need a Brazilian visa before boarding the ship. For more information, see the Country Specific Information for the country you plan to visit.

Special Entry/Exit Requirements for Dual Nationals: Different rules may apply to dual U.S.-Argentine citizens, depending on when they became U.S. citizens. Visit the Argentine Ministry of the Interior website for the most current information.

Special Entry/Exit Requirements for Minors: Children under 18 who live in Argentina and are not traveling with both parents must have the notarized consent of both parents to leave Argentina (see international parental child abduction for more information). Visit the Argentine Department of Immigration website for more information.

HIV/AIDS Restrictions: The U.S. Department of State does not know of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for foreign visitors or residents of Argentina.

More Information: Find information on dual nationality, prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our websites.

Demonstrations are common in Buenos Aires and happen in other cities as well. Protesters often block streets and highways. Demonstrations are usually nonviolent, but can turn confrontational. Avoid demonstrations if possible.

Crime: Street crime is a problem in Buenos Aires, Rosario, and Mendoza. Look out for muggers, pickpockets, scam artists, and purse-snatchers who work on the street, in restaurants and hotel lobbies, at bus and train stations, in public transportation, and in cruise ship ports.

Violent robberies often occur, usually on side streets and/or after dark in the San Telmo, Recoleta, and, more frequently, in La Boca neighborhoods of Buenos Aires.

Frequent robberies of luggage and handbags occur in Retiro bus station in Buenos Aires and the bus station in Mendoza, and when leaving a handbag in the overhead compartment on the bus.

Robberies involving motorcycles (called “motochorros”) occur frequently in cities. These thieves normally operate in pairs: one to jump off and take the watches, purses, and backpacks of pedestrians, and another to operate the bike. The motochorros also reach, or break, into cars to snatch valuable items.

Although the La Boca neighborhood is a well-known tourist destination, there have been violent robberies in the daytime as well as nighttime. Stay on the main streets in the tourist zone and use radio taxis to and from the neighborhood.

Avoid “villas” or shanty towns in Buenos Aires and other major cities, even if they are in tourist zones.

Scams involving yellow and black taxis have been reported at international airports and around Buenos Aires. Pre-arrange a ride or select one of the flat-rate “remise” services (private car with driver) from the airport. In town, use radio taxis from places like a hotel when possible. See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information on scams. A few common scenarios follow:

Drivers pretend to help tourists with money while trading good bills for counterfeit ones.

A “handler” at the airport accepts payment for the ride, but then the driver also demands money at the end of the ride.

The taxi “breaks down” on the road, and a second taxi comes to get the passenger. Both drivers demand payment.

Spraying mustard or another substance on the tourist from a distance. An accomplice robs the victim while pretending to help clean the stain.

Precautions include:

Do not place handbags on the back of your chair or on the floor at a restaurant. Keep them in your lap.

Do not leave your drink unattended.

Sexual assaults have been reported against solo hikers and bikers on trails in regions along the border with Chile. Hike in groups and remain alert to your surroundings.

Robberies also occur, where victims are grabbed and forced to take out as much money as possible from ATMs. Family or co-workers are contacted and told to bring all the cash they have on hand or can gather in a couple of hours. Once the ransom is paid, the victim is usually released unharmed. There have been some foreign victims of these robberies. Fake telephone kidnappings are also common. Learning important phone numbers and, if robbed, immediately finding a phone and letting family members know you are alright are important steps in stopping this crime.

Travelers should not pack valuables in checked bags.

The U.S. Embassy sees many reports of stolen passports. Passports and other valuables should be locked in a hotel safe. Carry a photocopy of your passport with you.

Call us in Washington, D.C., at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Furthermore, some crimes are also prosecutable in the U.S., regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES:

Dual Nationals: U.S.-Argentine dual nationals may have to follow special rules that apply to Argentine citizens. In some cases, the U.S. government may have trouble providing protection abroad to dual citizens.

Currency Exchange and Access: You must show your passport to exchange money. Keep all receipts related to buying pesos. Be careful if you are offered illegal exchange rates. and do not exchange money on the street. The Embassy does not exchange money.

Some U.S. citizens report problems using their ATM cards issued by U.S. banks at certain ATMs. There is no set list of ATMs or banks where you can use U.S. cards. If your ATM card does not work at one ATM, try another one or use a reputable bank or exchange house. Daily withdrawal limits may also be lower than in the U.S.

Hunting and Fishing/Transporting Firearms: If you plan to hunt or fish, follow all gun and game laws. Some U.S. citizens report problems bringing guns into and out of Argentina. More information can be found here.

Adventure Travel: For local authorities,Local resources are limited for helping visitors lost or injured in remote areas can be hard. Travelers visiting isolated and wilderness areas mustshould learn about local conditions and give their itinerary to park or police officials.

Argentina has the highest mountain outside ofin the HimalayasAmericas, Mount Aconcagua. Several U.S. citizens, including expert climbers, have died while climbing the mountain. Rescue missions are often impossible.

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance: People with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different than in the United States. The law mandates access to buildings for persons with disabilities, but while the federal government has protective laws, many provinces do not.

Medications: If traveling with prescription medication, check with the Argentine Ministry of Health to ensure the medication is legal in Argentina. Always, carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription.

Health Concerns: The following diseases are prevelant either throughout Argentina or in certain areas:

Road Conditions and Safety: Driving is more dangerous than in the United States. Drivers in Argentina tend to be aggressive, especially in Buenos Aires, and often ignore traffic regulations. Drivers should prepare in advance when taking long road trips and make sure to have adequate insurance coverage. Gas stations are often far apart and not always easily identified from the main roadway. You need an Argentine or international driver’s license to drive, but verify with local authorities for the most current information.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT:The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Argentina’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Argentina’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.

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